BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:
FIG. 1A is an illustration of an exemplary network for analog cordless telephone and multimode handset services via a broadband communications network within a home;
FIG. 1B is an illustration of an exemplary network for Internet protocol cordless telephone and multimode handset services via a broadband telephone network within a home;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multimode handset configured to communicate using a mobile and cordless telephone modes;
FIG. 3 is a call flow diagram illustrating exemplary call switching from a mobile telephone communications protocol and a cordless telephone communications protocol;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary call flow diagram illustrating a telephone call switching from a cordless telephone communications protocol and mobile telephone communications protocol;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary process for a multimode handset switching between mobile and cordless telephone communications protocols;
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for an applications server for switching a multimode handset between a mobile and cordless and cordless telephone communications protocol; and
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary application server configured to assist a multimode handset to switch between mobile and cordless telephone communications networks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is an illustration of an exemplary network 100a for analog cordless telephone services within a home. The network 100a may include a central office 102 of a service provider in communication with an application server 104. The application server may be in communication with a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) and/or cable modem termination system (CMTS) 106. The DSLAM/CMTS 106 operates to link many customers with DSL connections to a single high-speed asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) line. The DSLAM operates to detect voice and data signals and direct the voice signals over the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and data signals to the Internet. The CMTS 106 enables cable television operators to offer high-speed Internet access to home computers and sends and receives digital cable modem signals over a cable network. The CMTS 106 further receives signals sent upstream from a user's cable modem and converts the signals into IP packets for routing to the Internet. As understood in the art, a DSLAM and CMTS provide many of the same functions and may be used by the same or different service providers in providing analog cordless telephone services and also IP cordless telephone services (FIG. 1B).
Continuing with FIG. 1, a communications network 108 may include the public switched telephone network for providing digital subscriber lines and/or a cable network. An analog terminal adapter (ATA) and/or splitter 110 maybe located in a subscriber's home 111 and in communication with the network 108 to receive communications signals (not shown) from the DSLAM/CNMT 106. An analog cordless telephone 112 that includes a base unit 114 and handset 116 may be in communication with the ATA/splitter 110. The analog cordless telephone may receive communications signals 118 from the ATA/splitter 110. As understood in the art, the base unit 114 may communicate the analog communication signals 118 to the handset 116 via an FM broadcast signal 120 anywhere within a home proximity zone 122.
A multimode handset 124 may be configured with two or more communications channels to communicate using a mobile telephone communications protocol and analog cordless telephone protocol. The multimode handset 124 may, too, communicate with the base unit 114 via the FM broadcast signal 120. A more detailed description of a multimode handset is provided with regard to FIG. 2. Although described as a multimode handset, it should be understand that the handset may be a mobile telephone having the capability to communicate with a cordless telephone base unit, as further described herein.
FIG. 1B is an illustration of an exemplary network 100b for Internet protocol (IP) cordless telephone services within a home. The network 100b includes the central office 102 in communication with the application server 104. The DSLAM/CMTS 106 may be in communication with the application server and further configured to communicate over the PSTN/cable network 108. In one embodiment, a DSL protocol is communicated from the DSLAM 106 via the PSTN. A DSL modem 126 may be in communication with the network 108. An IP cordless telephone 128 may include a base unit 130 that communicates with the DSL modem 126 and IP cordless handset 132. The IP cordless handset 132 may be a multimode handset that communicates using one or more mobile telephone communication protocols (e.g., CDMA, TDMA, GSM) and a cordless telephone communications protocol (e.g., analog or IP). The wireless handset 133 may communicate with the base unit 130 via RF signals or any other wireless signals within the home proximity zone 122, as understood in the art. In many cases, service providers bundle DSL and telephone services, so telephone calls over a DSL line may likely be free if the subscriber has purchased a bundled service.
Multimode handset 136 may be configured to communicate using an IP cordless telephone protocol. However, when the multimode handset 136 exits the home proximity zone 122, the wireless handset 136 is no longer within range of the base unit 130 and switches to the mobile telephone communications protocol (e.g., CDMA protocol, as further described herein with regard to FIGS. 3 and 4, for example.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary multimode handset 200. The multimode handset 200 may include a processor 202 that executes software 204. The processor may be in communication with memory 206 and input/output (I/O) unit 207. The I/O unit may be in communication with two or more communications paths 208 and 210. For example, as shown, communication paths 208 and 210 represent a cordless communication path 208 and mobile communication path 210 for communicating over a cordless telephone network (e.g., PSTN and mobile telephone network respectively. The cordless communications path 208 may include a cordless radio 212, receiver/transmitter (RX/TX) 214, and antenna 216. The mobile communications path 210 may include a mobile radio 218, RX/TX 220, and antenna 222. It should be understood that if the cordless and mobile telephone are capable of communicating over both communications channels using the same devices along a single communications path, then the multimode handset 200 may utilize a single communications path. However, as understood in the art, the cordless and mobile communications signals are communicated using different protocols so that different communications paths are generally utilized within the multimode handset 200. It should also be understood that if one or more components of each of the communications paths may be utilized for communicating over the cordless and mobile communications channels, that the number of separate components may be reduced. It should also be understood that each communications path within the multimode handset 200 may communicate over a different communications network or path. Because cordless communications is a mature technology, the additional cost to include the cordless communication path in the multimode handset is minimal (e.g., $20 or less).
The software 204 executed on the processor 202 may be utilized to perform a number of functions for the multimode handset 200. For example, the software 204 may be utilized to perform conventional telephone functionality, such as storing names and telephone numbers in the memory 206, managing a calendar, setting alarms, and so forth. In addition, the software 204 may be utilized to determine strength of a signal received from the base unit of a cordless telephone. In one embodiment, the software 204 may have a threshold stored in the memory 206 that the software compares the signal being received from the base unit to determine whether the multimode handset 200 is within range of the base unit. If the software 204 determines that the signal received from the base unit has a signal strength above the threshold, then the software 204 may generate and communicate a call transfer signal to the base unit, which further communicates the call transfer signal to an application server. In other words, the software 204 being executed by the processor 202 may be configured to assist in managing the multimode handset 200 communicating via the cordless communications path 208 or the mobile communications path 210 using a cordless or mobile telephone communications protocol, respectively. The multimode handset may establish communications 200 with a base unit by utilizing a well established registration process. As understood in the art, the multimode handset 200 may register with the base unit of an existing cordless telephone in a similar manner as a cordless telephone with multiple handsets. In one embodiment, a customer may purchase a cordless telephone that comes with a pre-registered multimode handset or handset.
FIG. 3 is an exemplary call flow diagram illustrating a call switching between a mobile telephone communications protocol (e.g., CDMA) and a cordless telephone communications protocol (e.g., analog or IP). As shown, there are five different communications points between which a call flow occurs. These communication points include a multimode (MM) handset in mobile mode 302, multimode handset in cordless mode 304, application server 306, cordless phone (e.g., analog or IP) 308, and far end party 310. As shown, the multimode handset in mobile mode 302 has a current call in process via the application server 306 with the far end party 310 at step 312. In one embodiment, the mobile mode uses a CDMA protocol. While in step 312, the multimode handset may determine a signal strength from a base unit of a local, cordless base unit in either an analog or IP communications protocol to determine a signal quality with the base unit. If the multimode handset determines that the signal quality with the cordless base unit is above a signal strength threshold, then at 314, the multimode handset sends a call transfer signal to the application server 306. At step 316, the application server 306 calls the cordless phone 308 (i.e., base unit with which the multimode handset is configured to communicate). Although the call is placed to the analog/IP cordless phone 308, the phone does not ring because the multimode handset may detect the ring signal within 10 milliseconds and a maximum of 25 milliseconds to go off-hook. In other words, the multimode handset can pick-up the call before the cordless base unit is able to ring.
At step 318, the base unit of the cordless phone 308 communicates with the multimode handset in cordless mode 304. This communication enables the multimode handset in cordless mode 304 to answer the call and switch from a mobile telephone communications path (e.g., cellular network to a cordless telephone communications path so that that an alternative call path (e.g., PSTN is established at step 320 between the far end party and the multimode handset. Once the alternative call path is established, the CDMA call between the multimode handset operating in mobile mode 304 and far end party 310 is dropped by the application server. It should be understood that the multimode handset may operate in conjunction with the application server 306 to perform the switch from the mobile mode to the cordless mode. During that switchover, the application server operates to determine the on-hook and off-hook status of the cordless telephone 308. If the cordless telephone is off-hook when the multimode handset comes into range with the base unit of the cordless telephone, the application server may not place the call to the cordless telephone 308.
In the event of a telephone call being placed to the telephone number of the cordless phone 308 while the multimode handset is in cordless mode 304, the application server may handle call waiting as understood in the art. If after switching a call from mobile to cordless mode, another mobile telephone with the same number can be used. However, if a second mobile handset with the same telephone number is in use, then a call cannot be transferred to the mobile mode from the cordless mode unless the second mobile handset goes on-hook It should be understood that the base unit of the cordless telephone functions to communicate signals with the cordless handset and multimode handset and security with both handsets may be maintained using a variety of secure communication techniques as understood in the art.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary call flow diagram 400 illustrating a telephone call switching between a cordless telephone communications protocol and mobile telephone communications protocol. The process starts at step 402 where a call between the multimode handset in cordless mode 304 is in progress with the far end party 310. While the call is in progress, the user may leave the house, thereby extending beyond the range of the base unit of the cordless phone. The multimode handset may determine that the signal quality with the base unit drops below a threshold signal quality (e.g., −60 dBmi) and send a call transfer signal to the application server at step 404. At step 406, the application server calls the multimode handset in mobile mode 302 to establish a new connection via a mobile communications path. It should be understood that the cordless telephone call connection and mobile telephone call connection may be via the same or different service providers, but that the application server 306 may be configured to communicate with both service providers' systems to manage communications for the multimode handset. At step 408, an alternative call path is established for the multimode handset in mobile mode 302. It should be understood that if the multimode handset uses a different mobile telephone protocol, that the alternative mobile communications protocol may be utilized to establish the alternative call path. After the alternative call path is established at step 408, the application server may drop the call between the far end party and the multimode handset in cordless mode 304 at step 410.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary process 500 for a multimode handset switching between mobile and cordless telephone communications protocols. The process 500 starts at step 502. At step 504, a multimode handset may be communicating over a first communications path at the telephone using a mobile telephone communications protocol. In addition, the multimode handset may be communicating over a second communications path at the telephone using a local, cordless telephone communications protocol at step 506. In communicating over the first and second communications path, the multimode handset may be conducting a telephone call on one of the communications paths while “listening” to the other communications path to measure signal strength over the communications path that is currently not being used for the telephone call. At step 508, the multimode handset may switch between the first and second communications paths during the telephone call. In switching between the first and second communications paths, the multimode handset may use devices within the multimode handset that are configured to communicate over a different wireless path, such as a local, cordless telephone communications path that uses an analog or IP protocol, for example. The process ends at step 510.
Although not shown, as described with regard to FIGS. 3 and 4, the multimode handset may measure signal strength of a signal being communicated using the local, cordless telephone communications protocol. In response to determining that the signal is above a signal strength threshold, the multimode handset may communicate a call transfer signal (e.g., “*7”) to an application server to switch the telephone call from the first to the second communications path. In response to receiving a telephone call via the communications path over which the telephone call is not being conducted, the multimode handset may switch to answer the telephone call, which is a continuation of the telephone call being conducted on the other communications. The switch may occur within 600 milliseconds (ms) to minimize the ability for a user to detect that the call switched between the first and second communications paths. The 600 ms switchover results from (i) 20 ms for detecting the cordless signal strength, (i) 50 ms for the cell switch or call forwarding signal to be sent from the multimode handset to the application server, (iii) 200 ms for the application server to set up the second call path, (iv) 130 ms for the multimode handset to receive the new call, and (v) 200 ms for the application server to disconnect the old connection and start and stop billing management. The multimode handset may provide an indicator to notify a user of a mode switch. For example, the multimode handset may display a light using a light emitting diode, display a message on a display, produce a tone or other sound, vibrate, or provide any other indicator or a combination of indicators to alert the user that the multimode handset has switched or is currently operating over one or the other communications paths. In one embodiment, the multimode handset may include a light to produce one color while communicating using a mobile communications protocol and another color using a cordless communications protocol.
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 600 for an applications server for switching a multimode handset between a mobile and cordless and cordless telephone communications protocol. The process of managing a multimode handset usage starts at step 602. At step 604, a call transfer signal of an ongoing telephone call is received to request transfer of the ongoing call between a first communications path using a mobile telephone communications protocol and a second communications path using a local, cordless telephone communications protocol. At step 606, a multimode handset is called via the first or second communications path over which the ongoing telephone call does not currently exist. At step 608, the multimode handset is connected with the ongoing telephone call via the first or second communications path over which the multimode handset was called. The process ends at step 610. The process may also include disconnecting the multimode handset from the first or second communications path from which the ongoing telephone call was switched. In addition, billing may be managed for a user of the multimode handset for using both a first and second communications path.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary application server configured to assist a multimode handset to switch between mobile and cordless telephone communications networks. The application server 700 includes a processor 702 that executes software 704. The processor 702 may be in communication with memory 706, input/output (I/O) unit 708, and storage unit 710. The storage unit may include one or more databases 712a-712n (collectively, 712) that are used to store information associated with subscribers or any other aspect of enabling users of multimode handsets to communicate over mobile telephone communications paths and local cordless telephone communications paths. The database 712 may include a list of local telephone numbers associated with each subscriber who pays for or utilizes the services of the multimode phone switching between the mobile telephone communications paths and the local, cordless telephone communications paths. By storing the local telephone numbers (e.g., home telephone numbers) and mobile telephone numbers, the application server 700 is able to call the user at his or her multimode handset via the home telephone number or mobile telephone number in response to receiving a call transfer signal during a telephone call. It should be understood that any other information associated with the user's account maybe stored in the database as step 712.
TABLE I
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Subscriber Phone Number Lookup Table
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Account
Mobile Telephone
Home Telephone
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Subscriber
Number
Number
Number
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Robert Smith
A1234
555-123-4567
555-405-6997
|
Paul Littleman
7B281
555-643-1276
555-769-0298
|
Susan Francis
9JT31
555-202-3294
555-202-3332
|
|
TABLE I is an exemplary listing of telephone numbers associated with subscribers for use in providing switching of telephone communications modes as described with regard to FIGS. 3 and 4. In operation, the application server receives a call transfer signal from a multimode handset, looks up the telephone number that the multimode handset is using for the call (e.g., 555-643-1276), looks up the associated telephone number to call (e.g., 555-769-0298), and calls that telephone number to switch the call from the mobile communications path to the cordless communications path.
In addition to the application server 700 managing communications for the users when entering and exiting a home proximity zone (i.e., within the range of a base unit of a home cordless telephone), the application server 700 may additionally manage network usage monitoring and fees associated with a subscriber switching between a mobile telephone communications path and a cordless telephone communications path. For example, the application server 700 may store dates and times of day at which a users multimode handset switches from one protocol to another in the databases 712. Billing charges for providing such switching services may be managed by the software 704 of the application server 700. It should be understood that such account management may be provided by off-the-shelf software or custom design software for handling such functionality. The application server 700 may also be in communication with servers of service providers for which a user receives telecommunications services (e.g., mobile, phone services and home, local and long distance telephone services). The software 704 of the application server 700 may receive and/or communicate information to the different servers of the telecommunications service providers for managing operations of the multimode handset switching between different communications protocols. As previously described, the application server may track communications of subscribers who use the switching services between mobile communications and cordless communications so that any requests by the multimode handset may be immediately received by the application server 700 and acted on within a certain period of time (e.g., 600 milliseconds). The application server 700 may provide different and/or other functionality for providing the switching services as described herein.
The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodiments for implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting in scope. One of skill in this art will immediately envisage the methods and variations used to implement this invention in other areas than those described in detail. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of the invention disclosed with greater particularity.
Patent Application
20080085746
